Substituted hetero-polycyclic compounds as PPARα and PPARγ activators

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I)                    
     The compounds are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of conditions mediated by nuclear receptors, in particular the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 of Danish application PA 1998 01352 filed Oct. 21, 1998 and of U.S. Provisional application No. 60/105,912 filed Oct. 28, 1998, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods for preparing the compounds and their use as medicaments. More specifically, compounds of the invention can be utilised in the treatment of conditions mediated by nuclear receptors, in particular the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR). The present compounds reduce blood glucose and triglyceride levels and are accordingly useful for the treatment of ailments and disorders such as diabetes and obesity.

The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the above said novel compounds, their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their polymorphs, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

The compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes), impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, disorders related to Syndrome X such as hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular disorders. The compounds of the present invention are also useful for the treatment of certain renal diseases including glomerulonephritis, glomerulosclerosis, nephrotic syndrome, hypertensive nephrosclerosis. These compounds may also be useful for improving cognitive functions in dementia, treating diabetic complications, psoriasis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and prevention and treatment of bone loss, e.g. osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the major cause of death in type 2 diabetic and metabolic syndrome patients (i.e. patients that fall within the ‘deadly quartet’ category of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridaemia and/or obesity).

The hypolipidaemic fibrates and antidiabetic thiazolidinediones separately display moderately effective triglyceride-lowering activities although they are neither potent nor efficacious enough to be a singlee therapy of choice for the dyslipidaemia often observed in type 2 diabetic or metabolic syndrome patients. The thiazolidinediones also potently lower circulating glucose levels of type 2 diabetic animal models and humans. However, the fibrate class of compounds are without beneficial effects on glycaemia. Studies on the molecular actions of these compounds indicate thatthiazolidinediones and fibrates exert their action by activating distinct transcription factors of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) family, resulting in increased and decreased expression of specific enzymes and apolipbproteins respectively, both key-players in regulation of plasma triglyceride content. Fibrates, on the one hand, are PPARα activators, acting primarily in the liver. Thiazolidinediones, on the other hand, are high affinity ligands for PPARγ acting primarily on adipose tissue.

Adipose tissue plays a central role in lipid homeostasis and the maintenance of energy balance in vertebrates. Adipocytes store energy in the form of triglycerides during periods of nutritional affluence and release it in the form of free fatty acids at times of nutritional deprivation. The development of white adipose tissue is the result of a continuous differentiation process throughout life. Much evidence points to the central role of PPARγ activation in initiating and regulating this cell differentiation. Several highly specialised proteins are induced during adipocyte differentiation, most of them being involved in lipid storage and metabolism. The exact link from activation of PPARγ to changes in glucose metabolism, most notably a decrease in insulin resistance in muscle, has not yet been clarified. A possible link is via free fatty acids such that activation of PPARγ induces Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL), Fatty Acid Transport Protein (FATP) and Acyl-CoA Synthetase (ACS) in adipose tissue but not in muscle tissue. This, in turn, reduces the concentration of free fatty acids in plasma dramatically, and due to substrate competition at the cellular level, skeletal muscle and other tissues with high metabolic rates eventually switch from fatty acid oxidation to glucose oxidation with decreased insulin resistance as a consequence.

PPARα is involved in stimulating β-oxidation of fatty acids. In rodents, a PPARα-mediabted change in the expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism lies at the basis of the phenomenon of peroxisome proliferation, a pleiotropic cellular response, mainly limited to liver and kidney and which can lead to hepatocarcinogenesis in rodents. The phenomenon of peroxisome proliferation is not seen in man. In addition to its role in peroxisome proliferation in rodents, PPARα is also involved in the control of HDL cholesterol levels in rodents and humans. This effect is, at least partially, based on a PPARα-mediated transcriptional regulation of the major HDL apolipoproteins, apo A-I and apo A-II. The hypotriglyceridemic action of fibrates and fatty acids also involves PPARα and can be summarised as follows: (I) an increased lipolysis and clearance of remnant particles, due to changes in lipoprotein lipase and apo C-III levels, (II) a stimulation of cellular fatty acid uptake and their subsequent conversion to acyl-CoA derivatives by the induction of fatty acid binding protein and acyl-CoA synthase, (III) an induction of fatty acid b-oxidation pathways, (IV) a reduction in fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis, and finally (V) a decrease in VLDL production. Hence, both enhanced catabolism of triglyceride-rich particles as well as reduced secretion of VLDL particles constitutes mechanisms that contribute to the hypolipidemic effect of fibrates.

A number of compounds have been reported to be useful in the treatment of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia (U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,726, PCT Publications nos. WO91/19702, WO 95/03038, WO 96/04260, WO 94/13650, WO 94/01420, WO 97/36579, WO 97/25042, WO 95/17394, WO 99/08501, WO 99/19313 and WO 99/16758).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Glucose lowering as a single approach does not overcome the macrovascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Novel treatments of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome must therefore aim at lowering both the overt hypertriglyceridaemia associated with these syndromes as well as alleviation of hyperglycaemia.

The clinical activity of fibrates and thiazolidinediones indicates that research for compounds displaying combined PPAR α and PPAR γ activation should lead to the discovery of efficacious glucose and triglyceride lowering drugs that have great potential in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome (i.e. impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridaemia and/or obesity).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (Ia):

wherein R₁, R², R₃, and R⁴ independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, formyl, or C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₁₂-alkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkylthio, thioC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkoxycarbonylamino, —COR¹¹, or —SO₂R¹², wherein R¹¹ and R¹² independently of each other are selected from hydroxy, halogen, perhalomethyl, C₁₋₆-calkoxy or amino optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl, perhalomethyl or aryl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano;

or R¹ and R², R² and R³ and/or R³ and R⁴ may form a cyclic ring containing from 5 to 7 carbon atoms optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl;

ring A fused to the ring containing X and N represents a 5-6 membered cyclic ring, optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, formyl, or C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₁₂-alkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkylthio, thioC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkoxycarbonylamino, —COR¹¹, or —SO₂R¹², wherein R¹¹ and R¹² independently of each other are selected from hydroxy, halogen, perhalomethyl, C₁₋₆-alkoxy or amino optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl, perhalomethyl or aryl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano;

X is a valence bond, —(CHR⁹)—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—(CHR⁹)—, —S—(CHR⁹)—, —(NR⁹)—CH₂—, —(CHR⁹)—CH═CH—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—CH₂—, —(C═O)—, —O—CH₂—O—, —(NR⁹)—S(O₂)—, —CH═(CR⁹)—, —(CO)—(CHR⁹)—, —CH₂—(SO)—, —(SO)—, —(SO₂)—, —CH₂—(SO₂)—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, wherein R⁹ is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, formyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, hydroxyalkyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₁₂-alkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkylthio, thioC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkoxycarbonylamino, —COR¹³, or —SO₂R¹⁴, wherein R¹³ and R¹⁴ independently of each other are selected from hydroxy, halogen, C₁₋₆-alkoxy, amino optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl, perhalomethyl or aryl;

Ar represents arylene, heteroarylene, or a divalent heterocyclic group optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl or aryl;

R⁵ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl or aralkyl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano; or R⁵ forms a bond together with R⁶,

R⁶ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl, acyl or aralkyl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano; or R⁶ forms a bond together with R⁵,

R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, acyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl groups; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano;

R⁸ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl,, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl groups; optionally subsfftuted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano;

Y represents oxygen, sulphur or NR¹⁰, where R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aryl, hydroxyC₁₋₁₂₋alkyl or aralkyl groups or when Y is NR¹⁰, R⁸ and R¹⁰ may form a 5 or 6 membered nitrogen containing ring, optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆alkyl; n is an integer ranging from 1 to 4 and m is an integer ranging from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, cyano, or C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₄₋₇-alkenynyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₇-alkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkylthio, thioC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkoxycarbonylamino, —COR¹¹, or —SO₂R¹², wherein R¹¹ and R¹² independently of each other are selected from hydroxy, perhalomethyl or amino optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl, perhalomethyl or aryl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy or cyano;

or R¹ and R², R² and R³ and/or R³ and R⁴ may form a cyclic ring containing from 5 to 7 carbon atoms optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, cyano, or C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₄₋₇-alkenynyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₇-alkyl-amino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkylthio, thioC₁₋₇-alkyl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen or hydroxy.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy or C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, arylamino, aryloxyC₁₋₇-alkyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy or aryl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen or phenyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein ring A fused to the ring containing X and N represents a 5-6 membered cyclic ring, optionally substituted with one or more hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, cyano, or C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₄₋₇-alkenynyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₇-alkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkylthio, thioC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkoxycarbonylamino, —COR¹¹, or —SO₂R¹², wherein R¹¹ and R¹² independently of each other are selected from hydroxy, perhalomethyl or amino optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl, perhalomethyl or aryl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy or cyano.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein ring A fused to the ring containing X and N represents a 5-6 membered cyclic ring, optionally substituted with one or more hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, cyano, or C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₄₋₇-alkenynyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₇-alkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkylthio, thioC₁₋₇-alkyl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen or hydroxy.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein ring A fused to the ring containing X and N represents a 5-6 membered cyclic ring, optionally substituted with one or more hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy or C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, arylamino, aryloxyC₁₋₇-alkyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein ring A fused to the ring containing X and N represents a 5-6 membered cyclic ring, optionally substituted with one or more hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy or C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy or aryl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein ring A fused to the ring containing X and N represents a 5-6 membered cyclic ring, optionally substituted with one or more hydrogen, halogen or phenyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is a valence bond, —(CHR⁹)—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—(CHR⁹)—, —S—(CHR⁹)—, —(NR⁹)—CH₂—, —(CHR⁹)—CH═CH—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—CH₂—, —(C═O)—, —O—CH₂—O—, —(NR⁹)—S(O₂)—, —CH═(CR⁹)—, —(CO)—(CHR⁹)—, —CH₂—(SO)—, —(SO)—, —(SO₂)—, —CH₂—(SO₂)—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, wherein R⁹ is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, C₁₋₇alkyl, C₁₋₇alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, hydroxyalkyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₇alkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇₋alkylthio or thioC₁₋₇-alkyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is a valence bond, —(CHR⁹)—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—(CHR⁹)—, —S—(CHR⁹)—, —(NR⁹)—CH₂—, —(CHR⁹)—CH═CH—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—CH₂—, —(C═O)—, —O—CH₂—O—, —(NR⁹)—S(O₂)—, —CH═(CR⁹)—, —(CO)—(CHR⁹)—, —CH₂—(SO)—, —(SO)—, —(SO₂)—, —CH₂—(SO₂)—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, wherein R⁹ is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy or aryl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is a valence bond, —(CHR⁹)—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—(CHR⁹)—, —S—(CHR⁹)—, —(NR⁹)—CH₂—, —(CHR⁹)—CH═CH—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—CH₂—, —(C═O)—, —O—CH₂—O—, —(NR⁹)—S(O₂)—, —CH═(CR⁹)—, —(CO)—(CHR⁹)—, —CH₂—(SO)—, —(SO)—, —(SO₂)—, —CH₂—(SO₂)—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, wherein R⁹ is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₄-alkyl or C₁₋₄-alkoxy.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is a valence bond, —(CHR⁹)—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—(CHR⁹)—, —(CHR⁹)—CH═CH—, —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—CH₂—, —(C═O)—, —O—CH₂—O—, —CH═(CR⁹)—, —(CO)—(CHR⁹)—, —CH₂—(SO)—, —(SO)—, —(SO₂)—, —CH₂—(SO₂)—, —CH₂—O—CH₂—, wherein R⁹ is hydrogen.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein Ar represents arylene, heteroarylene, or a divalent heterocyclic group optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl or aryl;

R⁵ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₄₋₇-alkenynyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇alkynyl; or R⁵ forms a bond together with R⁶,

R⁶ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₄₋₇-alkenynyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl; or R⁶ forms a bond together with R⁵,

R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₄₋₇-alkenynyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₇-alkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, acyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl groups;

R⁸ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₄₋₇-alkenynyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl.

Y represents oxygen, sulphur or NR¹⁰, where R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkyl, hydroxyC₁₋₇-alkyl;

n is an integer ranging from 2 to 3 and m is an integer ranging from 0 to 1.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein Ar represents arylene or heteroarylene;

R⁵ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen; or R⁵ forms a bond together with R⁶,

R⁶ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen; or R⁶ forms a bond together with R⁵,

R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, acyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl groups;

R⁸ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl;

Y represents oxygen or sulphur;

n is an integer ranging from 2 to 3 and m is 1.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein Ar represents arylene or heteroarylene;

R⁵ represents hydrogen;

R⁶ represents hydrogen;

R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl;

R⁸ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl;

Y represents oxygen;

n is an integer ranging from 2 to 3 and m is 1.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein Ar represents arylene

R⁵ represents hydrogen;

R⁶ represents hydrogen;

R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₄-alkyl, C₂₋₄-alkenyl, C₂₋₄-alkynyl,

R⁸ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₄-alkyl,

Y represents oxygen;

n is an integer ranging from 2 to 3 and m is 1.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein Ar represents phenylene,

R⁵ represents hydrogen;

R⁶ represents hydrogen;

R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₄-alkyl,

R⁸ represents hydrogen

Y represents oxygen;

n is an integer ranging from 2 to 3 and m is 1.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein A is benzo optionally substituted with one or more halogen or phenyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein A is pyrido.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein Ar is arylene.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—, wherein R⁹ is H.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is —CH═CH—.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is —(SO)—.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is —O—CH₂—O—.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is a valence bond.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is —O—CH₂—.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is —(CHR⁹)—CH₂—CH₂, wherein R⁹ is H.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is —(CO)—(CHR⁹)—, wherein R⁹ is H.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is —CH═(CR⁹)—, wherein R⁹ is C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, preferably methoxy.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of in formula I wherein X is —(NR⁹)—S(O₂)—, wherein R⁹ is C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, preferably methyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein X is —(C═O)—.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are H.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein n is 2.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein n is 3.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein m is 1.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R⁵ is H.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R⁶ is H.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R⁷ is ethyl:

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R⁸ is H.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein R⁸ is ethyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is concerned with compounds of formula I wherein Y is oxygen.

Preferred compounds of the invention are:

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-(4-[2-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-(4-[2-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-(4-[2-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-(4-[2-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-(4-[3-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-(4-[3-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-(4-[3-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-(4-[3-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-(4-[3-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-(4-[3-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-(4-[1-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl)-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[1-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[3-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[3-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[3-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[3-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[3-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-{4-[3-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-1 2-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-diibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[2-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[2-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[2-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[1-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[2-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Proppoxy-3-{4-[2-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[1-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[2-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[2-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[2-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[2-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[1-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11 diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[1-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[2-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[1-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

3-(4-(2-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(2-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3(4-(2-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(2-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(1-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-methoxy)phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(1-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

(S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(2-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(2-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(2-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(2-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(1-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-2ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzypoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-(3-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propoxy)-phenyl-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propoxy)-phenyl-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propoxy)-phenyl-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propoxy)-phenyl-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propyl)-phenyl-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propyl)-phenyl-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propyl)-phenyl-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

3-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propyl)-phenyl-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

2-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-ethoxy)-phenyl-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

2-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-ethoxy)-phenyl-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

1-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-methoxy)-phenyl-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

2-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-ethoxy)-phenyl-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(3-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(3-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Benzyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-(2-Pyridyl)-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-(3-Furanyl)I-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-(2-thionyl)-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(1-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(3-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dichloro-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dichloro-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dichloro-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dichloro-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(1-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(3-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(3-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(1-Carbazol-9-yl-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(3-Carbazol-9-yl-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

(S) 3-(4-(3-Carbazol-9-yl-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Further preferred compounds of the invention are:

3-{4-[2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]oxazepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

3-{4-[2-(6,7-Dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,g]azocin-12-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-2-ethoxy-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(10-methoxy-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(11-methyl-10,10-dioxo-10,11-dihydro-10I⁶-thia-5,11-diaza-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid,

2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(5-oxo-5H-5I⁴-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In the above structural formulas and throughout the present specification, the following terms have the indicated meaning:

The terms “C₁₋₁₂-alkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination is intended to include those alkyl groups of the designated length in either a linear or branched or cyclic configuration, represents e.g. cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl and the like. Typical C₁₋₆-alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, iso-pentyl, hexyl, iso-hexyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl and the like.

The terms “C_(2−n′)-alkenyl” wherein n′ can be from 3 through 15, as used herein, represents an olefinically unsaturated branched or straight group having from 2 to the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one double bond. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, allyl, iso-proppenyl, 1,3-butadienyl, 1-butenyl, hexenyl, pentenyl, and the like.

The terms “C_(2−n′)-alkynyl” wherein n′ can be from 3 through 15, as used herein, represent an unsaturated branched or straight group having from 2 to the specified number of carbon atoms and at least one triple bond. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl and the like.

The terms “C_(4−n′)-alkenynyl” wherein n′ can be from 5 through 15, as used herein, represent an unsaturated branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 4 to the specified number of carbon atoms and both at least one double bond and at least one triple bond. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, 1-penten-4-yne, 3-penten-1-yne, 1,3-hexadiene-5-yne and the like.

The term “C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy” as used herein, alone or in combination is intended to include those C₁₋₁₂-alkyl groups of the designated length in either a linear or branched or cyclic configuration linked through an ether oxygen having its free valence bond from the ether oxygen. Examples of linear alkoxy groups are methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy and hexoxy. Examples of branched alkoxy are isoprpoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, isopentoxy and isohexoxy. Example of cyclic alkoxy are cyclopropyloxy, cyclobutyloxy, cyclopentyloxy and cyclohexyloxy.

The term “C₁₋₆-alkoxycarbonyloxy” is intended to include the above defined C₁₋₆-alkoxy groups attached to a carbonyloxy moiety, eg. methoxycarbonyloxy, ethoxycarbonyloxy, etc.

As used herein the term “C₄₋₁₂-(cycloalkylalkyl)” represents a branched or straight alkyl group substituted at a carbon with a cycloalkyl group. Examples of such groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropylethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, 2-(cyclohexyl)ethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, 3-(cyclopentyl)-1-propyl, and the like.

The term “C₁₋₁₂-alkylthio” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a straight or branched or cyclic monovalent substituent comprising a C₁₋₁₂-alkyl group linked through a divalent sulfur atom having its free valence bond from the sulfur atom and having 1 to 12 carbon atoms e.g. methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, butylthio, pentylthio. Example of cyclic alkylthio are cyclopropylthio, cyclobutylthio, cyclopentylthio and cyclohexylthio.

The term “C₁₋₁₂alkylamino” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a straight or branched or cyclic monovalent substituent comprising a C₁₋₁₂-alkyl group linked through amino having a free valence bond from the nitrogen atom e.g. methylamino, ethylamino, propylamino, butylamino, pentylamino. Example of cyclic alkylamino are cyclopropylamino, cyclobutylamino, cyclopentylamino and cyclohexylamino.

The term “hydroxyC₁₋₁₂alkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a C₁₋₁₂alkyl as defined herein whereto is attached a hydroxy group, e.g. hydroxyethyl, 1-hydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxypropyl etc.

The term “arylamino” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to an aryl as defined herein linked through amino having a free valence bond from the nitrogen atom e.g. phenylamino, naphthylamino, etc.

The term “aralkylamino” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to an aralkyl as defined herein linked through amino having a free valence bond from the nitrogen atom e.g. benzylamino, phenethylamino, 3-phenylpropylamino, 1-naphtylmethylamino, 2-(1-naphtyl)ethylamino and the like.

The term “aminoC₁₋₁₂alkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a C₁₋₁₂alkyl as defined herein whereto is attached an amino group, e.g. aminoethyl, 1-aminopropyl, 2-aminopropyl etc.

The term “aryloxycarbonyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to an aryloxy as defined herein linked through a carbonyl having a free valence bond from the carbon atom, e.g. phenoxycarbonyl, 1-naphthyloxycarbonyl or 2-naphthyloxycarbonyl, etc.

The term “aralkoxycarbonyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to an aralkoxy as defined herein linked through a carbonyl having a free valence bond from the carbon atom, e.g. benzyloxycarbonyl, phenethoxycarbonyl, 3-phenylpropoxycarbonyl, 1-naphthylmethoxycarbonyl, 2-(1-naphtyl)ethoxycarbonyl, etc.

The term “C₁₋₁₂alkoxyC₁₋₁₂alkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a C₁₋₁₂alkyl as defined herein whereto is attached a C₁₋₁₂alkoxy as defined herein, e.g. methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxyethyl, etc.

The term “aryloxyC₁₋₁₂alkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a C₁₋₁₂alkyl as defined herein whereto is attached an aryloxy as defined herein, e.g. phenoxymethyl, phenoxydodecyl, 1-naphthyloxyethyl, 2-naphthyloxypropyl, etc.

The term “aralkoxyC₁₋₁₂alkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to, a C₁₋₁₂alkyl as defined herein whereto is attached an aralkoxy as defined herein, e.g. benzyloxymethyl, phenethoxydodecyl, 3-phenylpropoxyethyl, 1-naphthylmethoxypropyl, 2-(1-naphtyl)ethoxymethyl, etc.

The term “thioC₁₋₁₂alkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a C₁₋₁₂alkyl as defined herein whereto is attached a group of formula —SR′″ wherein R′″ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl or aryl, e.g. thiomethyl, methylthiomethyl, phenylthioethyl, etc.

The term “C₁₋₁₂alkoxycarbonylamino” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a C₁₋₁₂alkoxycarbonyl as defined herein linked through amino having a free valence bond from the nitrogen atom e.g. methoxycarbonylamino, carbethoxyamino, propoxycarbonylamino, isopropoxycarbonylamino, n-butoxycarbonylamino, tert-butoxycarbonylamino, etc.

The term “aryloxycarbonylamino” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to an aryloxycarbonyl as defined herein linked through amino having a free valence bond from the nitrogen atom e.g. phenoxycarbonylamino, 1-naphthyloxycarbonylamino or 2-naphthyloxycarbonylamino, etc.

The term “aralkoxycarbonylamino” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to an aralkoxycarbonyl as defined herein linked through amino having a free valence bond from the nitrogen atom e.g. benzyloxycarbonylamino, phenethoxycarbonylamino, 3-phenylpropoxycarbonylamino, 1-naphthylmethoxycarbonylamino, 2-(1-naphtyl)ethoxycarbonylamino, etc.

The term “aryl” is intended to include aromatic rings, such as carboxylic aromatic rings selected from the group consisting of phenyl, naphthyl, (1-naphtyl or 2-naphtyl) optionally substituted with halogen, amino, hydroxy, C₁₋₆-alkyl or C₁₋₆-calkoxy.

The term “arylene” is intended to include divalent aromatic rings, such as carboxylic aromatic rings selected from the group consisting of phenylene, naphthylene, optionally substituted with halogen, amino, hydroxy, C₁₋₆-alkyl or C₁₋₆-alkoxy.

The term “halogen” means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

The term “perhalomethyl” means trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, tribromomethyl or trilodomethyl.

The term “C₁₋₆-dialkylamino” as used herein refers to an amino group wherein the two hydrogen atoms independently are substituted with a straight or branched, saturated hydrocarbon chain having the indicated number of carbon atoms; such as dimethylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino, diethylamino, dipropylamino, N-(n-butyl)-N-methylamino, di(n-pentyl)amino, and the like.

The term “acyl” as used herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a C₁₋₆-alkyl group linked through a carbonyl group; such as e.g. acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, isobutyryl, pivaloyl, valeryl, and the like.

The term “acyloxy” as used herein refers to acyl as defined herein linked to an oxygen atom having its free valence bond from the oxygen atom e.g. acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butyryloxy, isobutyryloxy, pivaloyloxy, valeryloxy, and the like.

The term “C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonyl” as used herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy group linked through a carbonyl group; such as e.g. methoxycarbonyl, carbethoxy, propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, n-butoxycarbonyl, sec-butoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, 3-methylbutoxycarbonyl, n-hexoxycarbonyl and the like.

The term “a cyclic ring containing from 5 to 7 carbon atoms” as used herein refers to a monocyclic saturated or unsaturated or aromatic system, wherein the ring may be cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl or cycloheptyl.

The term “bicycloalkyl” as used herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a bicyclic structure made of 6-12 carbon atoms such as e.g. 2-norbornyl, 7-norbomyl, 2-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl and 9-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanyl.

The term “heteroaryl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a 5-6 membered monocyclic aromatic system or a 9-10 membered bicyclic aromatic system containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, e.g. furan, thiophene, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, isothiazole, isoxazble, oxazole, oxadiazole, thiadiazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinazoline, quinoxaline, indole, benzimidazole, benzofuran, pteridine and purine.

The term “heteroarylene” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a divalent group comprising a 5-6 membered monocyclic aromatic system or a 9-10 membered bicyclic aromatic system containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, e.g. furan, thiophene, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, isothiazole, isoxazole, oxazole, oxadiazole, thiadiazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinazoline, quinoxaline, indole, benzimidazole, benzofuran, pteridine and purine.

The term “heteroaryloxy” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a heteroaryl as defined herein linked to an oxygen atom having its free valence bond from the oxygen atom e.g. pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, isothiazole, isoxazole, oxazole, oxadiazole, thiadiazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinazoline, quinoxaline, indole, benzimidazole, benzofuran, pteridine and purine linked to oxygen.

The term “aralkyl” as used herein refers to a straight or branched saturated carbon chain containing from 1 to 6 carbons substituted with an aromatic carbohydride; such as benzyl, phenethyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 1-naphtylmethyl, 2-(1-naphtyl)ethyl and the like.

The term “aryloxy” as used herein refers to phenoxy, 1-naphthyloxy or 2-naphthyloxy.

The term “aralkoxy” as used herein refers to a C₁₋₆-alkoxy group substituted with an aromatic carbohydride, such as benzyloxy, phenethoxy, 3-phenylpropoxy, 1-naphthylmethoxy, 2-(1-naphtyl)ethoxy and the like.

The term “heteroaralkyl” as used herein refers to a straight or branched saturated carbon chain containing from 1 to 6 carbons substituted with a heteroaryl group; such as (2-furyl)methyl, (3-furyl)methyl, (2-thienyl)methyl, (3-thienyl)methyl, (2-pyridyl)methyl, 1-methyl-1-(2-pyrimidyl)ethyl and the like.

The term “heteroaralkoxy” as used herein refers to a heteroaralkyl as defined herein linked to an oxygen atom having its free valence bond from the oxygen atom, e.g. (2-furyl)methyl, (3-furyl)methyl, (2-thienyl)methyl, (3-thienyl)methyl, (2-pyridyl)methyl, 1-methyl-1-(2-pyrimidyl)ethyl linked to oxygen.

The term “C₁₋₆-alkylsulfonyl” as used herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a C₁₋₆-alkyl group linked through a sulfonyl group such as e.g. methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, n-propylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl, n-butylsulfonyl, sec-butylsulfonyl, isobutylsulfonyl, tert-butylsulfonyl, n-pentylsulfonyl, 2-methylbutylsulfonyl, 3-methylbutylsulfonyl, n-hexylsulfonyl, 4-methylpentylsulfonyl, neopentylsulfonyl, n-hexylsulfonyl and 2,2-dimethylpropylsulfonyl.

The term “C₁₋₆-monoalkylaminosulfonyl” as used herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a C₁₋₆-monoalkylamino group linked through a sulfonyl group such as e.g. methylaminosulfonyl, ethylaminosulfonyl, n-propylaminosulfonyl, isopropylaminosulfonyl, n-butylaminosulfonyl, sec-butylaminosulfonyl, isobutylaminosulfonyl, tert-butylaminosulfonyl, n-pentylaminosulfonyl, 2-methylbutylaminosulfonyl, 3-methylbutylaminosulfonyl, n-hexylaminosulfonyl, 4-methylpentylaminosulfonyl, neopentylaminosulfonyl, n-hexylaminosulfonyl and 2,2-dimethylpropylaminosulfonyl.

The term “C₁₋₆-dialkylaminosulfonyl” as used herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a C₁₋₆-dialkylamino group linked through a sulfonyl group such as dimethylaminosulfonyl, N-ethyl-N-methylaminosulfonyl, diethylaminosulfonyl, dipropylaminosulfonyl, N-(n-butyl)-N-methylaminosulfonyl, di(n-pentyl)aminosulfonyl, and the like.

The term “C₁₋₆-alkylsulfinyl” as used herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a straight or branched C₁₋₆-alkyl group linked through a sulfinyl group (—S(═O)—); such as e.g. methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, isopropylsulfinyl, butylsulfinyl, pentylsulfinyl, and the like.

The term “acylamino” as used herein refers to an amino group wherein one of the hydrogen atoms is substituted with an acyl group, such as e.g. acetamido, propionamido, isopropylcarbonylamino, and the like.

The term “(C₃₋₆-cycloalkyl)C₁₋₆-alkyl” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to a straight or branched, saturated hydrocarbon chain having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and being monosubstituted with a C₃₋₆-cycloalkyl group, the cycloalkyl group optionally being mono- or polysubstituted with C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₆-alkoxy; such as e.g. cyclopropylmethyl, (1-methylcyclopropyl)methyl, 1-(cyclopropyl)ethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, and the like.

The term “arylthio” as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to an aryl group linked through a divalent sulfur atom having its free valence bond from the sulfur atom, the aryl group optionally being mono- or polysubstituted with C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C₁-alkoxy; e.g. phenylthio, (4-methylphenyl)-thio, (2-chlorophenyl)thio, and the like.

The term “arylsulfinyl” as used herein refers to an aryl group linked through a sulfinyl group (—S(═O)—), the aryl group optionally being mono- or polysubstituted with C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₆-alkoxy; such as e.g. phenylsulfinyl, (4-chlorophenyl)sulfinyl, and the like.

The term “arylsulfonyl” as used herein refers to an aryl group linked through a sulfonyl group, the aryl group optionally being mono- or polysubstituted with C₁₋₆-alkyl, halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₆-alkoxy; such as e.g. phenylsulfonyl, tosyl, and the like.

The term “C₁₋₆-monoalkylaminocarbonyl” as used herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a C₁₋₆-monoalkylamino group linked through a carbonyl group such as e.g. methylaminocarbonyl, ethylaminocarbonyl, n-propylaminocarbonyl, isopropylaminocarbonyl, n-butylaminocarbonyl, sec-butylaminocarbonyl, isobutylaminocarbonyl, tert-butylaminocarbonyl, n-pentylaminocarbonyl, 2-methylbutylaminocarbonyl, 3-methylbutylaminocarbonyl, n-hexylaminocarbonyl, 4-methylpentylaminocarbonyl, neopentylaminocarbonyl, n-hexylaminocarbonyl and 2-2-dimethylpropylaminocarbonyl.

The term “C₁₋₆-alkylaminocarbonyl” as used herein refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a C₁₋₆-dialkylamino group linked through a carbonyl group such as dimethylaminocarbonyl, N-ethyl-N-methylaminocarbonyl, diethylaminocarbonyl, dipropylaminocarbonyl, N-(n-butyl)-N-methylaminocarbonyl, di(n-pentyl)aminocarbonyl, and the like.

The term “C₁₋₆-monoalkylaminocarbonylamino” as used herein refers to an amino group wherein one of the hydrogen atoms is substituted with a C₁₋₆-monoalkylaminocarbonyl group, e.g. methylamihocarbonylamino, ethylamino-carbonylamino, n-propylaminocarbonylamino, isopropylaminocarbonylamino, n-butylaminocarbonylamino, sec-butylaminocarbonylamino, isobutylaminocarbonylamino, tert-butylaminocarbonylamino, and 2-methylbutylaminocarbonylamino.

The term “C₁₋₆-dialkylaminocarbonylamino” as used herein refers to an amino group wherein one of the hydrogen atoms is substituted with a C₁₋₆-dialkylaminocarbonyl group, such as dimethylaminocarbonylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylaminocarbonylamino, diethylaminocarbonylamino, dipropylaminocarbonylamino, N-(n-butyl)-N-methylaminocarbonylamino, di(n-pentyl)aminocarbonylamino, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “heterocyclyl” means a monovalent saturated or unsaturated group being monocyclic and containing one or more, such as from one to four carbon atom(s), and from one to four N, O or S atom(s) or a combination thereof. The phrase “heterocyclyl” includes, but is not limited to, 5-membered heterocycles having one hetero atom (e.g. pyrrolidine, pyrroline); 5-membered heterocycles having two heteroatoms in 1,2 or 1,3 positions (e.g. pyrazoline, pyrazolidine, 1,2-oxathiolane, imidazolidine, imidazoline, 4-oxazolone); 5-membered heterocycles having three heteroatoms (e.g. tetrahydrofurazan); 5-membered heterocycles having four heteroatoms; 6-membered heterocycles with one heteroatom (e.g. piperidine); 6-membered heterocycles with two heteroatoms (e.g. piperazine, morpholine); 6-membered heterocycles with three heteroatoms; and 6-membered heterocycles with four heteroatoms.

As used herein, the phrase “a divalent heterocyclic group” means a divalent saturated or unsaturated system being monocyclic and containing one or more, such as from one to four carbon atom(s), and one to four N, O or S atom(s) or a combination thereof. The phrase a divalent heterocyclic group includes, but is not limited to, 5-membered heterocycles having one hetero atom (e.g. pyrrolidine, pyrroline); 5-membered heterocycles having two heteroatoms in 1,2 or 1,3 positions (e.g. pyrazoline, pyrazolidine, 1,2-oxathiolane, imidazolidine, imidazoline, 4-oxazolone); 5-membered heterocycles having three heteroatoms (e.g. tetrahydrofurazan); 5-membered heterocycles having four heteroatoms; 6-membered heterocycles with one heteroatom (e.g. piperidine); 6-membered heterocycles with two heteroatoms (e.g. piperazine, morpholine); 6-membered heterocycles with three heteroatoms; and 6-membered heterocycles with four heteroatoms.

As used herein, the phrase “a 5-6 membered cyclic ring” means an unsaturated or saturated or aromatic system containing one or more carbon atoms and optionally from one to four N, O or S atom(s) or a combination thereof. The phrase “a 5-6 membered cyclic ring” includes, but is not limited to, e.g. cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, cyclohexenyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, 1,4-dioxolanyl, 5-membered heterocycles having one hetero atom (e.g. thiophenes, pyrroles, furans); 5-membered heterocycles having two heteroatoms in 1,2 or 1,3 positions (e.g. oxazoles, pyrazoles, imidazoles, thiazoles, purines); 5-membered heterocycles having three heteroatoms (e.g. triazoles, thiadiazoles); 5-membered heterocycles having four heteroatoms; 6-membered heterocycles with one heteroatom (e.g. pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phenanthridine, cyclohepta[b]pyridine); 6-membered heterocycles with two heteroatoms (e.g. pyridazines, cinnolines, phthalazines, pyrazines, pyrimidines, quinazolines, morpholines); 6-membered heterocycles with three heteroatoms (e.g. 1,3,5-triazine); and 6-membered heterocycles with four heteroatoms.

As used herein, the phrase “5- or 6-membered nitrogen containing ring” refers to a monovalent substituent comprising a monocyclic unsaturated or saturated or aromatic system containing one or more carbon, nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms or a combination thereof and having 5 or 6 members, e.g. pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl and 1,4-dioxolanyl.

Certain of the above defined terms may occur more than once in the above formula (Ia), and upon such occurrence each term shall be defined independently of the other.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts forming part of this invention include salts of the carboxylic acid moiety such as alkali metal salts like Li, Na, and K salts, alkaline earth metal salts like Ca and Mg salts, salts of organic bases such as lysine, arginine, guanidine, diethanolamine, choline and the like, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts, aluminum salts. Salts may include acid addition salts where appropriate which are, sulphates, nitrates, phosphates, perchlorates, borates, hydrohalides, acetates, tartrates, maleates, citrates, succinates, palmoates, methanesulplionates, benzoates, salicylates, hydroxynaphthoates, benzenesulfonates, ascorbates, glycerophosphates, ketoglutarates and the like. Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates may be hydrates or comprising other solvents of crystallization such as alcohols.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts are prepared by reacting the compound of formula (Ia) with 1 to 4 equivalents of a base such as sodium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, sodium hydride, potassium t-butoxide, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and the like, in solvents like ether, THF, methanol, t-butanol, dioxane, isopropanol, ethanol etc. Mixture of solvents may be used. Organic bases like lysine, arginine, diethanolamine, choline, guandine and their derivatives etc. may also be used. Alternatively, acid addition salts wherever applicable are prepared by treatment with acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, maleic acid salicylic acid, hydroxynaphthoic acid, ascorbic acid, palmitic acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, tartaric acid and the like in solvents like ethyl acetate, ether, alcohols, acetone, THF, dioxane etc. Mixture of solvents may also be used.

The stereoisomers of the compounds forming part of this invention may be prepared by using reactants in their single enantiomeric form in the process wherever possible or by conducting the reaction in the presence of reagents or catalysts in their single enantiomer form or by resolving the mixture of stereoisomers by conventional methods. Some of the preferred methods include use of microbial resolution, resolving the diastereomeric salts formed with chiral acids such as mandelic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, and the like wherever applicable or chiral bases such as brucine, cinchona alkaloids and their derivatives and the like. Commonly used methods are compiled by Jaques et al in “Enantiomers, Racemates and Resolution” (Wiley Interscience, 1981). More specifically the compound of formula (Ia) may be converted to a 1:1 mixture of diastereomeric amides by treating with chiral amines, aminoacids, aminoalcohols derived from aminoacids; conventional reaction conditions may be employed to convert acid into an amide; the diastereomers may be separated either by fractional crystallization or chromatography and the stereoisomers of compound of formula (Ia) may be prepared by hydrolysing the pure diastereomeric amide.

Various polymorphs of compound of general formula (Ia) forming part of this invention may be prepared by crystallization of compound of formula (Ia) under different conditions. For example, using different solvents commonly used or their mixtures for recrystallization; crystallizations at different temperatures; various modes of cooling, ranging from very fast to very slow cooling during crystallizations. Polymorphs may also be obtained by heating or melting the compound followed by gradual or fast cooling. The presence of polymorphs may be determined by solid probe nmr spectroscopy, ir spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder -X-ray diffraction or such other techniques.

The invention also relates to a method of preparing the above mentioned compounds.

A compound of formula (Ia) can be prepared either—when m is equal to 1—as a compound of formula VI, or b)—when m is equal to 0—as a compound of formula XII:

a) By alkylating I with a suitable electrophilic reagent to II. (Examples of the electrophilic reagent are: ethylene oxide, ethyl bromoacetate followed by reduction of the ester to an alcohol, 2-bromoethanol and 3-bromopropanol)

The hydroxy group can be converted to a suitable leaving group (for example to a halogen, sulphonate, phosphor under Mitsunobu conditions) and then reacted with HO—Ar—R to give III

When R═CHO, then III can be converted to IV with a Wittig reagent

Addition to the double bond of suitable reagents give V

V can either be hydrolysed to the corresponding carboxylic acid or can be reacted further with a suitable reagent to give VI

b) The molecule VII mentioned under formation of II can be synthesised in an analogous way starting from HO—Ar—CHO.

VII can also be reacted with the proper alkylating reagent to give VIII

which then can be reacted with I to give VI.

Yet another way to synthesise the compounds in this invention is to react I with a proper propargyl analogue IX to give X

X can then be cross coupled with I—Ar—R using a Pd catalyst like Pd(PPh₃)₄ or PdCl₂(PPh)₂ to give XI

If R═CHO the above synthesis sequence (reaction with a Wittig reagent, hydrogenation followed by hydrolysis or derivatisation of the carboxylic acid) will give the desired product XII

The compound XIII can also be cross coupled to the propargyl derivative IX using a Pd catalyst like Pd(PPh₃)₄ or PdCl₂(PPh)₂ to give the product XIV

XIV can then reacted with I to give XI, which can be reacted further as described above to give XII.

L is a leaving group and all other symbols are as defined earlier.

Pharamacological Methods

In vitro PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma activation activity.

Principle

The PPAR gene transcription activation assays were based on transient transfection into human HEK293 cells of two plasmids encoding a chimeric test protein and a reporter protein respectively. The chimeric test protein was a fusion of the DNA binding domain (DBD) from the yeast GAL4 transcription factor to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the human PPAR proteins. The PPAR LBD harbored in addition to the ligand binding pocket also the native activation domain (activating function 2=AF2) allowing the fusion protein to function as a PPAR ligand dependent transcription factor. The GAL4 DBD will force the fusion protein to bind only to Gal4 enhancers (of which none existed in HEK293 cells). The reporter plasmid contained a Gal4 enhancer driving the expression of the firefly luciferase protein. After transfection, HEK293 cells expressed the GAL4-DBD-PPAR-LBD fusion protein. The fusion protein will in turn bind to the Gal4 enhancer controlling the luciferase expression, and do nothing in the absence of ligand. Upon addition to the cells of a PPAR ligand, luciferase protein will be produced in amounts corresponding to the activation of the PPAR protein. The amount of luciferase protein is measured by light emission after addition of the appropriate substrate.

Methods

Cell culture and transfection: HEK293 cells were grown in DMEM+10% FCS, 1% PS. Cells were seeded in 96-well plates the day before transfection to give a confluency of 80% at transfection. 0.8 μg DNA per well was transfected using FuGene transfection reagent according to the manufacturers instructions (Boehringer-Mannheim). Cells were allowed to express protein for 48 h followed by addition of compound.

Plasmids: Human PPAR α and γ was obtained by PCR amplification using cDNA templates from liver, intestine and adipose tissue respectively. Amplified cDNAs were cloned into pCR2.1 and sequenced. The LBD from each isoform PPAR was generated by PCR (PPARα: aa 167-C-term; PPARγ: aa 165-C-term) and fused to GAL4-DBD by subcloning fragments in frame into the vector pM1 generating the plasmids pM1αLBD and pM1γLBD. Ensuing fusions were verified by sequencing. The reporter was constructed by inserting an oligonucleotide encoding five repeats of the Gal4 recognition sequence into the pGL2 vector (Promega).

Compounds: All compounds were dissolved in DMSO and diluted 1:1000 upon addition to the cells. Cells were treated with compound (1:1000 in 200 μl growth medium including delipidated serum) for 24 h followed by luciferase assay.

Luciferase assay: Medium including test compound was aspirated and 100 μl PBS incl. 1 mM Mg++ and Ca++ was added to each well. The luciferase assay was performed using the LucLite kit according to the manufacturers instructions (Packard Instruments). Light emission was quantified by counting SPC mode on a Packard Instruments top-counter.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

In another aspect, the present invention includes within its scope pharmaceutical compositions comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one of the compounds of the general formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of the present invention may be prepared by conventional techniques, e.g. as described in Remington: The Science and Practise of Pharmacy, 19^(th) Ed., 1995. The compositions may appear in conventional forms, for example capsules, tablets, aerosols, solutions, suspensions or topical applications.

Typical compositions include a compound of formula (Ia) or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, associated with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient which may be a carrier or a diluent or be diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier which can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or other container. In making the compositions, conventional techniques for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions may be used. For example, the active compound will usually be mixed with a carrier, or diluted by a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier which may be in the form of a ampoule, capsule, sachet, paper, or other container. When the carrier serves as a diluent, it may be solid, semi-solid, or liquid material which acts as a vehicle, excipient, or medium for the active compound. The active compound can be adsorbed on a granular solid container for example in a sachet. Some examples of suitable carriers are water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, polyhydroxyethoxylated castor oil, peanut oil, olive oil, gelatine, lactose, terra alba, sucrose, cyclodextrin, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, stearic acid or lower alkyl ethers of cellulose, silicic acid, fatty acids, fatty acid amines, fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene, hydroxymethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Similarly, the carrier or diluent may include any sustained release material known in the art, such as glyceryl monostearateor glyceryl distearate, alone or mixed with a wax. The formulations may also include wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, preserving agents, sweetening agents or flavouring agents. The formulations of the invention may be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained, or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient by employing procedures well known in the art.

The pharmaceutical compositions can be sterilized and mixed, if desired, with auxiliary agents, emulsifiers, salt for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers and/or colouring substances and the like, which do not deleteriously react with the active compounds.

The route of administration may be any route, which effectively transports the active compound to the appropriate or desired site of action, such as oral, nasal, pulmonary, transdermal or parenteral e.g. rectal, depot, subcutaneous, intravenous, intraurethral, intramuscular, intranasal, ophthalmic solution or an ointment, the oral route being preferred.

If a solid carrier is used for oral administration, the preparation may be tabletted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form or it can be in the form of a troche or lozenge. If a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule or sterile injectable liquid such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension or solution.

For nasal administration, the preparation may contain a compound of formula (Ia) dissolved or suspended in a liquid carrier, in particular an aqueous carrier, for aerosol application. The carrier may contain additives such as solubilizing agents, e.g. propylene glycol, surfactants, absorption enhancers such as lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) or cyclodextrin, or preservatives such as parabenes.

For parenteral application, particularly suitable are injectable solutions or suspensions, preferably aqueous solutions with the active compound dissolved in polyhydroxylated castor oil.

Tablets, dragees, or capsules having talc and/or a carbohydrate carrier or binder or the like are particularly suitable for oral application. Preferable carriers for tablets, dragees, or capsules include lactose, corn starch, and/or potato starch. A syrup or elixir can be used in cases where a sweetened vehicle can be employed.

A typical tablet which may be prepared by conventional tabletting techniques may contain:

Core: Active compound (as free compound or salt thereof) 5 mg Colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil) 1.5 mg Cellulose, microcryst. (Avicel) 70 mg Modified cellulose gum (Ac-Di-Sol) 7.5 mg Magnesium stearate Ad. Coating: HPMC approx. 9 mg *Mywacett 9-40 T approx. 0.9 mg *Acylated monoglyceride used as plasticizer for film coating.

The compounds of the invention may be administered to a mammal, especially a human in need of such treatment, prevention, elimination, alleviation or amelioration of diseases related to the regulation of blood sugar. Such mammals include also animals, both domestic animals, e.g. household pets, and non-domestic animals such as wildlife.

The compounds of the invention are effective over a wide dosage range. For example, in the treatment of adult humans, dosages from about 0.05 to about 100 mg, preferably from about 0.1 to about 100 mg, per day may be used. A most preferable dosage is about 0.1 mg to about 70 mg per day. In choosing a regimen for patients it may frequently be necessary to begin with a dosage of from about 2 to about 70 mg per day and when the condition is under control to reduce the dosage as low as from about 0.1 to about 10 mg per day. The exact dosage will depend upon the mode of administration, on the therapy desired, form in which administered, the subject to be treated and the body weight of the subject to be treated, and the preference and experience of the physician or veterinarian in charge.

Generally, the compounds of the present invention are, dispensed in unit dosage form comprising from about 0.1 to about 100 mg of active ingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier per unit dosage.

Usually, dosage forms suitable for oral, nasal, pulmonal or transdermal administration comprise from about 0.001 mg to about 100 mg, preferably from about 0.01 mg to about 50 mg of the compounds of formula (Ia) admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating and/or preventing type I or type II diabetes.

In a still further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of one or more compounds of the general formula (Ia) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of type I or type II diabetes.

Any novel feature or combination of features described herein is considered essential to this invention.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLES Examples 1

Ethyl 3-(4-(2-(10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionionate. To a solution of 2-(10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethanol (120 mg; 0.50 mmol), generated from 10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepine and ethyleneoxide in THF and BuLi, in THF (20 ml) was added triphenylphosphine (198 mg; 0.75 mmol). The reaction was cooled to 0° C. and diethyl azodicarboxylate (165 mg; 0.75 mmol) and ethyl 2-ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (179 mg; 0.75 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at 0° C. for 2 hours and at room temperature for 16 hours. Water (20 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2×50 ml). The combined organic phases were dried and evaporated. The residue was purified on column chromatography using ethyl acetate:methylene chloride (9:1) as eluent to give the title compound in 205 mg (90%) yield.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ1.1-1.25 (m,6H), 2.92 (d, 2H), 3.17 (s, 4H), 3.27-3.38 (m, 1H, 3.52-3.63 (m, 1H), 3.95 (t, 1H), 4.04 (t, 2H), 4.10-4.20 (m, 4H), 6.72 (d, 2H), 6.88-6.95 (m, 2H), 7.05-7.17 (m, 8H). Compound 1.

The following compounds were made as described in example 1 using the appropriate tricycl-ethanol:

Ethyl 3-(4-(2-(dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionionate. Yield 172 mg (75%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ1.11-1.29 (m, 6H), 2.93 (d, 2H), 3.25-3.91 (m, 1H), 3.50-3.67 (m, 1H), 3.95 (t, 1H), 4.02-4.21 (m, 6H), 6.75 (t, 4H), 6.95-7.30 (m, 10H). Compound 3.

Ethyl 3-(4-(2-(betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionionate. Eluent: ethyl acetate:methylene chloride (2:1). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ1.12 (t, 3H), 1.21 (t, 3H), 2.90 (d, 2H), 3.24-3.37 (m, 1H), 3.51-3.62 (m, 1H), 3.91 (t, 1H), 4.14 (q, 2H), 4.38 (t, 2H), 4.80 (t, 2H), 6.74 (d, 2H), 7.08 (d, 2H), 7.28-7.70 )m, 4H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.49 (d, 1H). Compound 4.

Ethyl (S)-3-(4-(2-(betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionionate. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ1.12 (t, 3H), 1.21 (t, 3H), 2.90 (d, 2H), 3.24-3.37 (m, 1H), 3.51-3.62 (m, 1H), 3.91 (t, 1H), 4.14 (q, 2H), 4.38 (t, 2H), 4.80 (t, 2H), 6.74 (d, 2H), 7.08 (d, 2H), 7.28-7.70)m, 4H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.49 (d, 1H). Compound 12.

Example 2

3-(4-(2-(10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. A solution of ethyl 3-(4-(2-(10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionionate (191 mg; 0.42 mmol) in ethanol (13 ml) and aqueous 1 N sodium hydroxide (4.5 ml) was stirred at 90° C. for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue dissolved in water (7 ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 ml) after acidification with 1 N HCl (7.5 ml). The combined organic phases were dried, evaporated and purified-on column chromatography, using methylene chloride: methanol (9:1) as eluent, to give the title compound in 176 mg (97%) yield. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ1.1 (t, 3H), 2.72-3.06 (m, 2H), 3.17 (s, 4H), 3.35 (m, 1H), 3.55 (m, 1H), 3.94-4.05 m, 3H), 4.15 (t, 2H), 6.69 (d, 2H), 6.85-6.95 (m, 2H), 7.03-7.15 (m, 8H), 8.5-9.0 (br, s, 1H). Compound 2.

The following compounds were made as described in example 2 using the appropriate starting material.

3-(4-(2-(Dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ1.12 (t, 3H), 2.84-3.05 (m, 2H), 3.28-3.40 (m, 1H), 3.50-3.62 (m, 1H), 3.93-4.18 (m, 5H), 6.75 (m, 4H), 6.95-7.78 (m, 10H), 8.5-9.0 (br. s, 1H). Compound 5.

3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ1.20 (t, 3H), 3.03 (d, 2H), 3.38-3.52 (m, 1H), 3.62-3.76 (m, 1H), 4.10 (t, 1H), 4.37 (t, 2H), 4.70 (t, 2H), 6.60 (d, 2H), 7.17 (d, 2H), 7.35-7.73 (m, 3H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 8.41 (d, 1H), 8.67 (s, 1H), 8.8-9.3 (br. s, 1H). Compound 6.

(S)-3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ1.20 (t, 3H), 3.03 (d, 2H), 3.38-3.52 (m, 1H), 3.62-3.76 (m, 1H), 4.10 (t, 1H), 4.37 (t, 2H), 4.70 (t, 2H), 6.60 (d, 2H), 7.17 (d, 2H), 7.35-7.73 (m, 3H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 8.41 (d, 1H), 8.67 (s, 1H), 8.8-9.3 (br. s, 1H). Compound 13.

(S) 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. ¹H NMR (DMSO) Na-salt δ8.15 (d, 2H), 7.67 (d, 2H), 7.46 (t, 2H), 7.21 (t, 2H), 7.05 (d, 2H), 6.65 (d, 2H), 4.78 (t, 2H), 4.32(t,2H), 3.57-3.42 (m, 2H), 3.06 (m, 1H), 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.55 (m, 1H), 0.95 (t, 3H). Compound 18.

(S) 3-(4(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ8.15 (s, 2H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, 2H), 7.07 (d, 2H), 6.68 (d, 2H), 4.67 (t, 2H), 4.32 (t, 2H), 4.03 (m, 1H), 3.63-3.35 (m, 2H), 3.06 (m, 1H), 2.93 (m, 1H), 1.17 (t, 3H). Compound 19.

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. ¹H NMR (MeOH) Na-salt δ8.19 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.22 (t, 1H), 7.12 (d, 2H), 6.67 (d, 2H), 4.75 (t, 2H), 4.35 (t, 2H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 3.57 (m, 1H), 3.20 (m, 1H), 2.88 (m, 1H), 2.74 (m, 1H), 1.07 (t, 3H). Compound 20.

(S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ8.30 (s, 1H), 8.12 (m, 2H), 7.72 (m, 2H), 7.6-7.2 (m, 7H), 7.07 (d, 2H), 6.75 (d, 2H), 4.74 (m, 2H), 4.35 (m, 2H), 4.02 (m, 1H), 3.55 (m, 1H), 3.40 (m, 1H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 2.93 (m, 1H), 1.14 (t, 3H). Compound 21.

Example 3

3-(4-(2-(2-Chloro-5-oxo-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. A solution of 3-(4-(2-(2-chloro-phenothiazin-10-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid (122 mg; 0.26 mmol) in ethanol (1 ml) was stirred at 60° C. and hydrogen peroxide (30%; 0.15 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min. and allowed to go to room temperature. The reaction mixture was evaporated and residue dissolved in water (5 ml). The aqueous phase was acidified with 1N HCl to pH 2 and extracted with methylene chloride (2×25 ml). The combined extracts were dried and evaporated. After column chromatography using ethyl acetate:methanol (4:1) as eluent the title compound was isolated in 116 mg (92%) yield. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ1.10 (t, 3H), 2.80-3.04 (m, 2H), 3.24-3.38 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.60 (m, 1H), 3.93 (m, 1H), 4.38 (t, 2H), 4.58 (t, 2H), 6.82 (d, 2H), 7.10-8.0 (m, 9H), 8.0-8.7 (br. s, 1H). Compound 7.

Example 4

Ethyl 3-(4-(2-(10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionionate. A mixture of ethyl 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-ethoxyprorionate (2.26 g, 10.75 mmol), 3-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propanol methane sulfonate (3.55 g, 10.71 mmol) and potassium carbonate (7.65 g, 55.35 mmol) in DMF (75 ml) was heated at 90° C. for 30 h. The cold reaction mixture was poured into 500 ml water and extracted with benzene (3-100 ml), and the extracts were washed with 200 ml water, separated, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue (4.75 g) was purified by column chromatography on silaca gel (fluka 60, 150 g) using benzene/chloroform 20:1 as eluent to give the title compound in 1.84 g (36.3%) yield. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ7.05-7.15 (m, 8H), 6.87-6.95 (m, 2H), 6.72 (dt, J=8.7 Hz and 2.2 Hz, 2H), 4.15 (q, J=7.2Hz, 2H), 3.87-4.00 (m, 5H), 3.59 (m, 1H), 3.33 (m, 1H), 3.14 (s, 4H), 2.92 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.03 (q, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 1.21 (t, 3H), 1.15 (t, 3H). Compound 8.

The following compound was made in the same way using the appropriate mesylate.

Ethyl 3-(4-dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propoxy)-phenyl-2-ethoxy-propionate. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ7.20-6.95 (m, 10H), 6.75 (dt, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.71 (s, 2H), 4.15 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.97 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 3H), 3.81 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.59 (m, 1H), 3.33 (m, 1H), 1.92 (q, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 1.21 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.15 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). Compound 10.

Example 5

3-(4-(2-(10,11-Dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionionic acid. A solution of ethyl 3-(4-(2-(10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionionate (1.84 g, 3.88 mmol) in ethanol (30 ml) and 15% solution of NaOH (6.5 ml) was stirred for 20 h at room temperature. The solution was evaporated in vacuo, water (75 ml) was added and the mixture was acidified with acetic acid to pH 6. The product was extracted with methylene chloride (3×10 ml), washed with water (15 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give the title compound in 1.65 g(98%) yield. ¹H NMR (DMSO) δ7.05-7.15 (m, 8H), 6.92 (m, 2H), 6.73 (m, 2H), 4.04 (dd, J=4.3 Hz and 7.3 Hz, 1H), 3.97 (t, 2H), 3.92 (t, 2H), 3.61-3.42 (m, 2H), 3.15 (s, 4H), 3.08 (dd, J=4.3 and 14.3 Hz, 1H), 2.91 (dd, 7.3 and 14.3 Hz, 1H), 2.04 (q, 2H), 1.17 (t, 3H). Compound 9.

The following compound was made in the same way using the appropriate ester

3-(4-Dibenzo[d,g]dioxazocin-12-yl)-1-propoxy)-phenyl-2-ethoxy-propionic acid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ7.20 6.95 (m, 10H), 6.75 (dt, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.71 (s, 2H), 4.00 (m, 1H), 3.97 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.81 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.6-3.4 (m, 2H), 3.1-2.85 (m, 2H), 1.95 (q, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 1.15 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). Compound 11.

Example 6

(S) Ethyl 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionate. To a ice cooled solution of 2-(carbazol-9-yl-ethanol (211 mg; 1 mmol), (S) ethyl 2-ethoxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (238 mg; 1 mmol) and tributylphosphine (370 ul; 1.5 mmol) in dry benzene (10 ml) was added azodicarboxylic dipiperidine (380 mg; 1.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour. Additional 10 ml benzene was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for another 1 hour. Heptane (10 ml) was added to the reaction mixture and the performed precipitate was removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue suspended in heptane. After filtration the heptane phase was evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography using toluene:ethyl acetate (19:1) as eluent. The title compound was obtained in 385 mg (89%) yield. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ8.12 (d, 2H), 7.50 (m, 4H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.74 (d, 2H), 4.70 (t, 2H), 4.32 (t, 2H), 4.15 (q, 2H), 3.93 (t, 1H), 3.57 (m, 1H), 3.32 (m, 1H9, 2.93 (d, 2H), 1.22 (t, 3H), 1.15 (t, 3H), Compound 14.

The following compounds were made in the same way as described in example 6 using the appropriate tricyclethanol:

(S) Ethyl 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionate. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ8.14 (s, 2H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.68 (d, 2H), 4.66 (t, 2H), 4.80 (t, 2H), 4.17 (q, 2H), 3.94 (t, 1H), 3.58 (m, 1H), 3.31 (m, 1H), 2.94 (d, 2H), 1.22 (t, 3H), 1.15 (t, 3H). Compound 15.

(S) Ethyl 3-(4-(2-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionate. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ8.20 (s, 1H), 8.05 (d, 1H), 7.60-7.47 (m, 3H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.27 (m, 1H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 6.70 (d, 2H), 4.70 (t, 2H), 4.33 (t, 2H), 4.25-4.10 (q, 2H), 3.93 (t, 1H), 3.58 (m, 1H), 3.33 (m, 1H), 2.94 (d, 2H), 1.22 (t, 3H), 1.15 (t, 3H). Compound 16.

(S) Ethyl 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionate. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ8.29 (s, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 7.70 (d, 2H), 7.45 (m, 6H), 7.35-7.18 (2H), 7.08 (d, 2H), 6.70 (d, 2H), 4.65 (t, 2H), 4.29 (t, 2H), 4.15 (q, 2H), 3.92 (t, 1H), 3.56 (m, 1H), 3.30 (m, 1H), 2.92 (d, 2H), 1.21 (t, 3H), 1.11 (t, 3H). Compound 17. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (Ia)

wherein R₁, R², R³, and R⁴ independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, formyl, or C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₁₂-alkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, aralkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₂₋alkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkylthio, thioC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkoxycarbonylamino, —COR¹¹, or —SO₂R¹², wherein R¹¹ and R¹² independently of each other are selected from hydroxy, halogen, perhalomethyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy or amiino optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl, perhalomethyl or aryl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano; ring A fused to the ring containing X and N represents a 5-6 membered cyclic ring, optionally substituted with one or more hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy or C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy or aryl; X is a valence bond, —(CHR⁹)—, or —(C═O)—, Ar represents arylene or heteroarylene, optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl or aryl; R⁵ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl or aralkyl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano; or R⁵ forms a bond together with R⁶, R⁶ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl, acyl or aralkyl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano; or R⁶ forms a bond together with R⁵, R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, acyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl groups; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano; R⁸ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₄₋₁₂-alkenynyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl groups; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, nitro or cyano; Y represents oxygen, sulphur or NR¹⁰, where R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, aryl, hydroxyC₁₋₁₂-alkyl or aralkyl groups or when Y is NR¹⁰, R⁸ and R¹⁰ may form a 5 or 6 membered nitrogen containing ring, optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl; n is an integer ranging from 1 to 4 and m is an integer ranging from 0 to 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ independently of each other represent hydrogen, halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy, cyano, or C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₄₋₇-alkenynyl, C₂₋₇alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, aralkyl, aralkoxy, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryloxy, heteroaralkoxy, acyl, acyloxy, hydroxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, amino, acylamino, C₁₋₇-alkylamino, arylamino, aralkylamino, aminoC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aryloxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, aralkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkylthio, thioC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxycarbonylamino, aryloxycarbonylamino, aralkoxycarbonylamino, —COR¹¹, or —SO₂R¹², wherein R¹¹ and R¹² independently of each other are selected from hydroxy, perhalomethyl or amino optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₆-alkyl, perhalomethyl or aryl; optionally substituted with one or more halogen, perhalomethyl, hydroxy or cyano; or R¹ and R², R² and R³ and/or R³ and R⁴ may form a cyclic ring containing from 5 to 7 carbon atoms optionally substituted with one or more C₁₋₇-alkyl.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Ar represents arylene or heteroarylene; R⁵ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen; or R⁵ forms a bond together with R⁶, R⁶ represents hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen; or R⁶ forms a bond together with R⁵, R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, C₁₋₇-alkoxyC₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₇-alkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, acyl, heterocyclyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl groups; R⁸ represents hydrogen, C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₂₋₇-alkenyl, C₂₋₇-alkynyl; Y represents oxygen or sulphur; n is an integer ranging from 2 to 3 and m is
 1. 4. The compound according to claim 1 which is 2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Methoxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Propoxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[1-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-methoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Propoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Methoxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid, 2-Benzyloxy-3-{4-[3-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-propyl]-phenyl}-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyt)-2-methoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(1-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid, (S)-3-(4-(3-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid, 3-(4-(2-(Betacarbolin-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(1-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(3-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(3-(3-Phenyl-carbazol-9-yl)-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Benzyl-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-(2-Pyridyl)-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-(3-Furanyl)1-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-(2-thionyl)-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(1-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(3-(3-Bromo-carbazol-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid (S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dichloro-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dichloro-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dichloro-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-(3,6 Dichloro-carbazol-9-yl)-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(1-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(3-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(3-(3,6 Dibromo-carbazol-9-yl)-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-methoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-propoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(2-Carbazol-9-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)-2-benzyloxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(1-Carbazol-9-yl-methoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(3-Carbazol-9-yl-propoxy)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid, (S) 3-(4-(3-Carbazol-9-yl-propyl)-phenyl)-2-ethoxy-propionic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 5. The compound according to claim 1 which is 2-Ethoxy-3-{4-[2-(9-oxo-9H-acridin-10-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 6. A pharmaceutical composition comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 7. A method for the treatment of ailments, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. A method for the treatment of conditions mediated by nuclear receptors, in particular the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR), the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 9. A method for the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 